• General
• Nigeria

IGBONEKWU'S FUNERAL

Officiating ministers

(1) Pastor Leonard Ugbumba

(2) Pastor Abraham Okoro

(3) Pastor Oluchi Dike

(4) Pastor Ugochukwu Ogbenanya

(5) Pastor Elijah Ibeanusi

(6) Pastor Bethel

FIRST READING: ECCLESIASTES 3:1-4

1 To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

SECOND READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:50-57

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherits incorruption.

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

THIRD READING: MATTHEW 25: 31-46

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

THE BIOGRAPHY

Life and times of

LINUS IGBONEKWU OBIDIKE (NWA EMMA)

Heaven Beckons as Linus Igbonekwu goes home!

Daddy, Deh Linus, are you really the one we are gathered here for. The expected has happened unexpectedly, but we can’t question God. Words are inadequate to describe my feelings in this great loss, but in the words of John Donne, “Death be not proud for those thou hast killed die not”.

Brethren, Psalm 31:15 says “my times are in the hand”. Our times are in God’s hands. He alone knew when we were conceived in our mother’s womb. He alone knows when we will come to him. One day, we must vacate this bounteous earth and travel to a world beyond our kin. All human problems will by then abate.  This clay shall blend with six feet terrain”. These are the words of late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. The scripture also says in Ecclesiastes 3 v 2 and 4, that there is a time to be born and a time to die, a time to cry, and a time to laugh.

Let’s take you to the journey of how a great man, loving husband, caring father, a good brother and a cordial friend LINUS IGBONEKWU OBIDIKE, whose sojourn on earth was a fulfilling one.

Born on the 24^th day of April 1954, to late grandpa Alagwo Obidike and his late wife Nwankwonta Obidike. Linus Obidike is from Imo state, Orsu local Government, Umuoka Assah Ubirielem. Daddy attended St Mary’s primary and secondary school and he finished in 1971. He then ventured into a combined business with his older brother Peter Ezenwata Obidike “PIPELINE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED”. As a wise, strong, vibrant, and enterprising man, he started traveling to Europe to the business. He also traveled to some African countries like Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Ghana for business too.

God crowned his effort and his business flourished and he finally returned back to Nigeria to settle with FANO SHIPPING. He got married to his dear wife “MOYDLYN OBIDIKE” on the 5^th of January 1985. They are blessed with two children – two boys – to the glory of God. He teamed up with his wife to give their children the best education and moral training, which is predominant in the lifestyle of their children.

Daddy was a fervent and committed Christian, he attended House of prayer covenant church where we were ordained an Elder. He worked for the church and he was blessed in return by God. He was known for his wise words and proverbs, he was also known for his generosity and outstanding contributions to the church. He was the vice-chairman of the Egbe branch for years and also the treasurer Egbe council of Elders, also, he belonged to the Gideon group where he was a patron. He believed and insisted that everyone’s daily routine must begin and end with both knees on the floor in humble supplication and total submission to the Almighty God. To him, he who kneels before God can stand before kings. It was his perception that a person who combines hard work with prayer will definitely experience favor from God.

No matter how deep you hurt him, this great man, “LINUS” will always find it in his heart to forgive and forget, an attitude that is missing from the lives of most Christians.

He was a socialite and God-fearing man. He was generous, caring, and always willing to help. His stand for the truth earned him a place in social gatherings and meetings. He served as the chairman of Umuoka Ubirielem town union Lagos branch, he was the chairman for various years and he was also a patron.

Daddy, “OUR SUPERMAN”, good men like you do not die. They live on, in the memories of those who love them. You were a father to all, a brother to many, an uncle to the lonely, a counselor to the troubled, a home builder, a family developer, a community organizer, and a role model to all. Your departure has left so many unanswered questions in our hearts. A vacuum no other man or father can fill. A hero has passed on, the justice seeker and executor has vacated the stage, the truth speaker and defender has shut his lips, the voice of the oppressed has bid farewell. Daddy, your death has taught us all “CAUTION” it has made us more resolute in the will, more determined to live “alone”.

You did not leave behind a faction but a passionate army to nourish your legacy of unity and peace.

Daddy, you were unlike some, you injected humility, honesty, self-confidence, integrity, truth, and above all into your wife and children.

Daddy, we really wish you could live longer than you did, but good people like you are so rare in this polluted world of ours.

Daddy, life with you was full of sunshine, laughter, courage, and pleasantries. You were the champion of your time, community, and beyond. Why should we your children cry, when we know that you have followed the lead of Paul the Apostle.

May your gentle soul keep resting in perfect peace, AMEN!

GOODBYE IGBONEKWU!

GOODBYE LINUS!

GOODBYE PIC!

GOODBYE ELDER!

GOODBYE NWA EMMA

A POEM FOR LINUS IGBONEKWU OBIDIKE

A POEM FOR LINUS IGBONEKWU OBIDIKE!

As we look back over time, we find ourselves wondering …..

Did we remember to thank you enough for all you have done for us, for all the times you were by our sides to help and support us, to celebrate our successes, understand our problems and accept our defeats, or for teaching us by your example, the value of hard work, good judgment, courage, and integrity!

We wonder if we ever thanked you for the sacrifices you made to let us have the very best, and for the simple things like laughter, smiles, and times we shared.

If we have forgotten to show our gratitude enough for all the things you did,

We’re thanking you now and we are hoping you knew all along how much you meant to us.

IGBONEKWU, YOU WILL FOREVER REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS!

GOODBYE IGBONEKWU!

TRIBUTES

                                                         TRIBUTE TO MY LOVING HUSBAND

I had the opportunity and rare privilege of being the wife and partner of a wonderful, loving, caring, handsome, kind, and God-fearing man.

Linus my beloved husband, it’s still hard for me to accept that you are no longer here. Every day I wake up and see the cold empty space where you used to lie and the pain comes crashing down on me all over again. They say time heals all wounds but with your passing I have come to realise that this is not entirely true. There are some wounds that time won’t heal, time will instead teach us how to live with the pain. Linus, your death is one such wound for me. I will learn over time to live with this pain. I will learn to put on a smile and say “I am okay" when I am asked how I am doing, but I know I will never truly be okay again.

Linus was one of the kindest, most generous person I’ve ever known. He found it hard to say ‘no' to any request. He would easily give away his prized possessions without a second thought. When we were first married, my mother in law sat me down and told me that my husband needed to be watched because he was a ‘Father Christmas’ (her words) who would give away everything we owned if I didn’t stop him. Of course, Mama knew her son because she was so right! But he taught me the importance of giving, no matter your own situation or circumstances as there are always people worse off than you. He taught me to give

“Not because you have enough but because you care enough"

Linus was always a peacemaker who never came across a quarrel or misunderstanding he didn’t want to settle. He always toed the line of peace and rarely got angry. He was not a perfect man (who is, but Christ) but he was perfect for me.

The thirty-six years we spent as husband and wife were not always smooth and rosy but they were the best years of my life and I am happy and honored to have been Linus’s wife. He wasn’t just my husband and life partner, he was my soul mate and my best friend. Linus was my other half. Now that he is gone, half of me is gone too and I don’t know how to move on. People say that after laying him to rest I’ll have closure and I’ll be able to move on, but I don’t see how. It’s only God that can help me through this difficult time.

• It is said that what is important is not how long a life is lived but how well. Linus lived well. He tried in his own unassuming and sincere way to spread happiness in whatever form he could: kind words, a little financial assistance, or a simple smile. He tried to always impact lives positively. He may not have lived long but he tried to live well.

I cannot question God why. I can only hold on to the hope that you are in a better place, where all your pain has come to an end. As you have passed away, may the Lord show you mercy and forgiveness.

Linus my darling husband, farewell!

Daddy’s wife:

MOUDLYN LINUS OBIDIKE.

TRIBUTE TO A SUPER DAD

What is the measure of a man? Is it the amount of money he has? The possessions he owns and the power he holds? Is it the professional success he’s achieved over the years? I don’t believe it is any of these things. The true measure of a man is how much love he gives; how selflessly he shares whatever he can to help others; how consistently he lifts up those around him with a kind word, a funny joke, a compliment, a humble ear or the very shoes off his feet. By this measure, my Dad was immeasurable. I lost my Dad. But only in body, not in spirit. This is by far the most painful and heart-ripping and life-altering experience I’ve endured. But I do my best to remain grateful and comforted knowing how much my beloved Dad positively affected the lives of others. He was the most sincerely altruistic person I have ever known with no attachment to material things — he would literally give you the clothes he was wearing. All you had to do was mention you liked something and he would immediately insist on giving it to you. This became abundantly apparent when i hear people around him give so much testimonies about his kind gestures. How many times did I have to tell my Dad, ‘No, I don’t need anything, Dad, I’m good. Keep it for yourself but he would literally make sure you get it, Igbonekwu was sincerely the greatest and most adorable dad i have ever known, he took us to the best schools in the country knowing how exorbitant it was and genuinely gave us anything we ever wanted or wished for, dad was an epitome of love, care and understanding. Daddy loved to dance, sing and loved to make people laugh. All he ever wanted to do was make other people feel comfortable and make sure they were not feeling left out. I know it’s because he knew what it was like to feel left out. He was teased. And as he got older, he always rooted for the underdog, because he knew what it felt like to be that person. Daddy was the embodiment of love and absolute kindness. A heart of gold is what every family member and friend has said about Dad. And it’s incredible to see just how boundless his reach has been. Daddy left an impact on every person he met, even strangers (who didn’t stay strangers very long because he was just so damn friendly). The love my Dad spread on this Earth continues to grow and will live on, and that is the ultimate measure of any human being. Dad you will continue to linger in my heart, I love you so much dad now and forevermore because you are the world’s greatest daddy.

GOODBYE DADDY!

NNAEMEKA LINUS OBIDIKE

DADDY’S FIRST SON.

TRIBUTE TO THE BEST DAD IN THE WORLD

When the mirror is broken, you no longer see your image. On that dreadful day “12^th November 2020” that you departed this world to join the saints, it has not been same again for me.
Daddy, you were the mirror at which I looked at my life, the mirror at which I looked at myself and now that you are gone my life is so empty that I feel it in my soul. My solace is the fact that you live a righteous life. Every moment of your life is like a book on a path towards heavenly bliss.
Daddy when I close my eyes the image of you is all I see… The summary of our togetherness from cradle to your exit lingers on my mind it’s a memory that even death cannot erase…
Your departure has made me broken and transformed me into a man. Not by gender but by willingness to do what great men do knowing that death is the end of every mortal. The transformation that life is vain and everything in it is vanity.
This death won’t separate us as I would soon grow old and exit just like you did and we meet again soon to continue as father and son. Then my son also would pay tribute to me like I am doing this morning to your blessed memory.

GOODBYE IGBONEKWU!

GOODBYE TO THE MAN THAT GAVE MY LIFE A MEANING!

GOODBYE DADDY!

DARLINGTON LINUS OBIDIKE

DADDY’S SECOND SON.

                TRIBUTE TO MY ONLY BROTHER

It is with great sadness that I write this tribute for my younger brother Linus. We called him “NWA EMMA”.

Your passing away is a big blow to us all.  I'm yet to come to terms with the brutal fact that you're no more. You have thrown hundreds of us into untold agony, tears, pains and gloom. You have created a vacuum that will take our family years to fill.

Your passing away is a challenge very difficult for us to handle. You were diligent, visionary, wise, mature, and brotherly.

Somebody, please console me. I'm in deep agony, I’m in pains. Who shall bring you back? I wish I could turn back the hands of time. I haven't witnessed pains on this pedestal before now!

Linus, I miss you with all my heart, I wish we never had to part, I know you are always by my side. So now, I guess this is my goodbye….

May your gentle soul keep resting in peace.  AMEN!

Daddy’s older brother.

ICHIE EZENWATA OBIDIKE

TRADITIONAL PRIME MINISTER UMUOKA UBIRIELEM.

It is with deepest sorrow and sadness that we the Ajaegbu’s Family write this tribute. Indeed, Late Linus Igbonekwu (NWAEMMA) Obidike was an uncle in a million, he was humble, kind, loving, caring, and utterly good at heart and soul.

We remember how you often visit us in almost all the occasions held or celebrated in the Ajaegbu’s Compound with your Fatherly advice and gifts as a responsible uncle, how you rode on those bicycles through rough roads just to make sure we had all we needed to succeed in life, come rain come shine you were with us and indeed a pillar of support.

Furthermore, we the Ajaegbu’s Family will never forget your fatherly advice. Your sudden death came as a rude shock, we did not expect it and wish we had more time to continue to appreciate you but God in his infinite wisdom knows best.

 May our Lord comfort and sustain your family, your wife, and children now and always. May God Almighty keep you safe resting in peace till resurrection day, AMEN. ADIEU, OUR LOVING UNCLE!

RESPECTFULLY YOURS,

CHIEF KINGSLEY AJAEGBU OKAFOR (MMIRIOMA)

(CRIMINOLOGIST) ON BEHALF OF THE AJAEGBU’S FAMILY.

Ode to a beloved in law.

Your death sounded like the end of an era and made everyone that knew you, no longer at ease.

We thought that the centre could no longer hold, because things have fallen apart and we prayed and hoped that the arrow of God would strike and bring you back to life, because the people you left behind needed you now, more than words could explain.

Bro Linus igbonekwu Obidike ( aka  peline),  in reality, you have gone the way of all mortals but to a realm of immortality and I make bold to say to you posthumously,  ( " vene,  vedi,  veci" ),   you came, you saw and you conquered.

Rest on in eternal glory dearest in law, till we meet to part no more in Christ Jesus.

Adieu peline,

Apostle wisdom ugwuegbu,

For the family.

TRIBUTE TO A TRUE FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE

The news of your sudden transition is still difficult for me to believe.

We had nice moments together before l went on a medical routine timeout, and you were so hale and hearty.

A true friend with a gold heart is gone.

A man full of insight and worthy of trust.

An Iroko tree has fallen, a saint has gone home.

You were an epitome of good virtues; kindness, respect, gentleness, humility, generosity are some of the legacies you left behind.

May your gentle soul continue to rest in peace till we meet to part no more.

. . . Elder Livinus Ahanaonu

DADDY’S FRIEND!

ICHIE P.C MBAERI & FAMILY

ELEGWU UMUOKA, UMUOKA, UBIRILEM

I, hereby write your family, our sincere and heartfelt condolence on the death of your beloved father, Chief Linus Igbo Igbonekwu Obidike. My mind thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family since I heard of his demise. I know you will be brave in sorrow as our Lord would grant you to be.

We share in your sorrows and pains at this great loss. It is our prayer that the Lord Jesus who is our resurrection and life may comfort your family.

Please, accept our heartfelt sympathy and assurance of prayer.

Yours Sincerely,

ICHIE P.C MBAERI.

HOUSE OF PRAYER INT’L COVENANT CHURCH, THE GREAT GIDEON GROUP, EGBE, LAGOS.

TRIBUTE TO A GREAT MAN

We the entire members of Great Gideon, HPICC, Egbe, Lagos commiserate with the family of Obidike on the demise of their Father, brother and son, Late Elder Linus Obidike.

The news came to us a shock but who are we to question the authority and supremacy of God. While he was with us, he was a wise and great leader who always support the group and the church of God. A man of peace who loved everyone equally.

The Gideon group will continue to miss him and will also support the family in this time of grief, even as we mourn with them.

May his gentle soul continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.

CHAIRMAN, GIDEON GROUP!

TRIBUTE TO AN ICON LATE ELDER LINUS OBIDIKE

UMUOKA UBIRIELEM TOWN UNION LAGOS BRANCH (U.U.T.U)

The news of your demise came to us as a rude shock. We fervently wished it is not true but it was. You have left us behind with a gaping void which we won’t know how to fill. May God give us the strength to accept the things we cannot change.

Elder Linus Igbonekwu Obidike was a pillar of Umuoka Ubirielem town union Lagos branch, he was the chairman of the union for various years more than stipulated tenure he was elected because of his leadership style of accommodating and his philanthropic nature of life.

Until his death, he was our only surviving patron of Lagos branch, we are going to miss his fatherly wisdom. We are not happy you left us this way but we are proud of you, we wished we had the authority to make you live longer than this but it is not by ones power, might nor struggle but the grace of God. You have ran a good race and fought a good fight.

May your soul rest in peace AMEN!

Chief Val Nwanoro                                                                              Hon Chief Ken Uba

CHAIRMAN                                                                                           SECRETARY

HOUSE OF PRAYER INTERNATIONAL COVENANT CHURCH

WESTERN DISTRICT COUNCIL

TRIBUTE TO LEGEND - LATE ELDER LINUS OBIDIKE

It is truth that death is a necessary end, but nevertheless do we expect it so soon. We are still finding it difficult to believe that you are dead. Elder Linus Obidike, it took us time to start this farewell message because to write such for a good man like you is not an easy task.

A great man with immeasurable wisdom, we can never forget your kindness and wonderful contributions while you remained with us. Words can never be enough to describe your roles in the Western District Council. 

The entire members of HPICC, Western District will miss you and all members of HPICC Worldwide at large. You will forever be remembered for your good companionship, good discipleship, integrity, devotion, sincerity, love, kindness and above all simplicity. All these qualities are the legacies you left behind.

Your death has made us nervous and thoughtful. However, in our tears and deep sorrow we are overjoyed and we continue to give gratitude to God for the meaningful life you lived on earth. 

The LORD gave and HE has taken away, may HIS name be praised.

Peace be with you till we meet to part no more.

Adieu Elder Linus Obidike.

Signed: Deacon Chigozie Nnadi

(Chairman)

HOUSE OF PRAYER INTERNATIONAL COVENANT CHURCH

EGBE COUNCIL OF ELDERS

1-3 OPELOYERU, EGBE, LAGOS STATE

08032526891, 07036310349

TRIBUTE TO LATE ELDER LINUS OBIDIKE

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” – psalm 11: 15(KJV)

Words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of your passing on. You were at the midweek service on Wednesday, chatted and exchanged pleasantries with people, just to leave this sinful world in less than 48 hours later.

You may be gone from our sight but you are never gone from our hearts. As the treasurer of Egbe Council of Elders, you are seriously being missed because your position is still vacant.

We can hardly forget the sweet memories we had together. A man of wisdom who cannot speak a minute without a meaningful proverb. You were respected and admired for your enduring commitment and outstanding contributions to the Egba Elders. Obidike, you exuded humility, kindness, gentleness, generosity, respect, humanity, passion and insight.

Very few people are both visionary and practical combined with being genuinely ethical and great company.

What a loss to the church, the family and life. Truly, all deaths are sudden no matter how gradual the dying may be.

To the family, may the memory of LATE ELDER LINUS OBIDIKE bring you comfort and peace.

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

May you continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord till we get to part no more.

Elder Jude Ogbede                                                                          Elder Celestine Agumba

CHAIRMAN.                                                                                      SECERTARY.

HOUSE OF PRAYER INTERNATIONAL COVENANT CHURCH

WESTERN DISTRICT COUNCIL

TRIBUTE TO LEGEND - LATE ELDER LINUS OBIDIKE

It is truth that death is a necessary end, but nevertheless do we expect it so soon. We are still finding it difficult to believe that you are dead. Elder Linus Obidike, it took us time to start this farewell message because to write such for a good man like you is not an easy task.

A great man with immeasurable wisdom, we can never forget your kindness and wonderful contributions while you remained with us. Words can never be enough to describe your roles in the Western District Council. 

The entire members of HPICC, Western District will miss you and all members of HPICC Worldwide at large. You will forever be remembered for your good companionship, good discipleship, integrity, devotion, sincerity, love, kindness and above all simplicity. All these qualities are the legacies you left behind.

Your death has made us nervous and thoughtful. However, in our tears and deep sorrow we are overjoyed and we continue to give gratitude to God for the meaningful life you lived on earth. 

The LORD gave and HE has taken away, may HIS name be praised.

Peace be with you till we meet to part no more.

Adieu Elder Linus Obidike.

Signed: Deacon Chigozie Nnadi

(Chairman)

GOODBYE OUR HERO!

GOODBYE DEH LINUS!

GOODBYE DARLING!

GOODBYE TO THE BEST DAD!

YOUR CHILDREN!

Admin

Tuesday 6th of April 2021